Tax checkoff an easy way to support Georgia wildlife

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga.
(March 6, 2008) -- As Georgians file their annual income tax forms,
the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources
Division wants to remind residents they can support wildlife at tax
time each year. The State Income Tax Checkoff provides a
hassle-free option for donating to the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Proceeds from this initiative are used to fund critical wildlife
conservation projects statewide.

"The income tax
checkoff is an easy way to donate to wildlife conservation," said
Mike Harris, Nongame Conservation Section chief for the Wildlife
Resources Division. "Donations made to the Nongame Conservation
Section are especially important because the section receives no
state appropriations for its numerous conservation projects each
year."

By filling in any
amount more than $1 on line 26 of the long form (Form 500) or line
10 of the short form (Form 500EZ), citizens can make a direct
donation to support nongame species management and conservation in
Georgia. For those receiving a refund, the donation can be deducted
from the amount of the refund. For those who owe taxes, the
donation can be added to the payment.

The income tax
checkoff and the wildlife license plates depicting a bald eagle or
hummingbird are important funding sources for conservation projects
benefiting peregrine falcons, manatees, frogs, salamanders, sea
turtles, songbirds, and other native wildlife and plants. Funds
raised from the checkoff and wildlife tags also help acquire
critical habitat and further conservation, recreation and education
projects throughout the state.

For more
information on projects funded with checkoff and wildlife tag
dollars, visit www.georgiawildlife.com
or contact Nongame Conservation offices in Social Circle
(770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).
Through support of both the checkoff and nongame wildlife plates,
Georgians can help give wildlife a chance.